Friends of Deaf Services Center,
Deaf Services Center (DSC) has a long-standing history of serving the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities. In fact, it’s been 30 years since our establishment in 1991. From humble beginnings in a garage in Grandview, DSC has grown into the largest Community Center for the Deaf in Ohio with 3 locations to serve the northwest, central, and southeast regions of Ohio. From interpreting services to advocacy, case management, early intervention services, employment services, youth programming, and ASL classes, DSC has many programs benefitting our clients.
Over the years, DSC has grown to be an authority on Deafness and Deaf Culture. Community businesses often call on DSC to give Deaf Culture presentations and diversity training to their organizations. Even state agencies like the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services asked us to partner with other subject matter experts to provide statewide training to mental health professionals on how to provide culturally appropriate services to their Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing clients.
Recognizing a critical shortage of Certified Deaf Interpreters in Ohio, DSC partnered with the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center and other partner stakeholders to provide 40 hours of training to 24 individuals who are now on their way to becoming Certified Deaf Interpreters.
DSC continues to seek opportunities to partner and collaborate with others for the purpose of the betterment of the lives of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals in Ohio. We look forward to serving these communities in any way we can in the future.
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DSC's Office
COVID Plans
As DSC navigates the Covid pandemic, our offices remain closed to the public. Many staff have started keeping limited office hours while continuing to work remotely. The past 18 months have brought many obstacles in serving the deaf and hard of hearing community in Ohio. However, DSC has worked diligently to overcome these obstacles and continue to deliver the best quality of services possible in these unprecedented times.
With the newly created Employee Engagement Committee we are also making every effort to support the staff of DSC. The committee is made up of 5 staff members that are not part of management and includes 2 members from the community resources department, 2 members from the interpreting department, and 1 member from our North Ohio office.
The committee was created to provide a more direct link between management and the staff at large. The first gathering has already occurred, and the team is off to a great start. The members will choose which of them will communicate with the management team on a monthly basis starting with the last management team meeting in September. This participant will relay the initiatives of the group that will revolve around any situation that is of importance to DSC staff. The management team is excited to see what changes this committee will bring to our agency. This committee has a great opportunity to improve work-life at DSC.
As we enter into the fall and winter flu seasons, we are asking that everyone be vaccinated. All positions that come into direct contact with the community must be vaccinated unless a reasonable accommodation is provided, per federal ADA requirements. If for any reason a staff member is unable to obtain the vaccination, the staff member is required to wear a mask while in DSC offices or working in the community. In general, DSC adheres to CDC recommended guidelines while balancing the requirements of our customers and clients. These guidelines are intended to provide the maximum amount of protection for everyone involved. DSC values the health of every individual and wants to continue that tradition of service to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
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News from DSC's Community
Resources Department
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Congratulations Tianna!
In March 2021 Tiana Carse landed her 1st job ever at Walmart in Westerville. She started out stocking candy and snacks at the checkout lanes. After working just a few months, Tianna quickly learned registers in the self-checkout lanes and now works as a cashier when needed. Tianna is ambitious and likes a challenge. Her manager Tiffanee said, “she is a hard worker and happy to have her on her team!”. Tracey Ison and Lisa Dodson, Employment Specialists, worked together to get Tianna ready for success and are thrilled that Tianna’s has 1st job is a great fit. Congratulations Tianna! From all of us in the Employment Services Department.
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Come Join DSC's
ASL Class!
Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? Why not learn American Sign Language (ASL)? ASL is a manual language with its own unique grammar and syntax. Learn ASL to communicate with your Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing friends, family, or neighbors! DSC’s community sign language classes are taught by qualified Deaf individuals, so you get the best instruction in an immersive environment.
These ten-week classes meet once a week for an hour and a half using the Zoom platform. The cost is $45.00 per ten-week session. Registration is still open for our upcoming fall classes starting the first week of October. Just follow this link: Registration. Hope to see you there!
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News from DSC's
Interpreting Department
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Welcome Chelsea!
Welcome to our newest staff interpreter, Chelsea Waid! Chelsea is no stranger to DSC and comes to us with a plethora of interpreting experience. Chelsea will be working part-time with us! Glad to have you as part of the team, Chelsea.
DSC -- Where Communication Happens!
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Calling ASL Interpreters! DSC needs you!
Our Community
Needs You!
There is a growing need for more community ASL interpreters. It is the primary goal of DSC that Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals have access to top-notch interpreting services. To do this, we need your help!
If you are an ASL interpreter and have a desire to work in the community, please contact the DSC interpreting department as soon as possible. Email Vickie Walker, Director of Interpreting Services at vickiew@dsc.org.
DSC offers interpreting work to interpreters in a wide variety of settings. Competitive pay commensurate with experience.
Come join our team and help serve our community.
DSC -- Where Communication Happens!
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DSC Interpreting and Case Management Services Contact Information |
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DSC COLUMBUS
If your interpreting need is urgent: 614-678-1701.
For interpreting needs after hours: 614-323-1754.
Community Services (Employment, iCC, Early intervention or Case management): TJ Veppert: tjveppert@dsc.org
Relay Ohio/CapTel questions: Marsha Moore: Marsha@dsc.org
DSC NW OHIO
DSC NW Ohio office:
Shannon Seger: nwo@dsc.org or 419-720-3935 (voice) or 419-386-2627 VP.
NW Ohio Interpreting Department: 419-720-3935 or
DSC PORTSMOUTH
For questions concerning invoices, billing, or accounting: Melissa Potrikus: melissap@dsc.org
For more updates and for more information, check out our FaceBook page or check our website: DSC Website
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To find a vaccine appointment in your area, click:
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Deaf Services Center, Inc.| frontdesk@dsc.org | www.dsc.org |
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